New in August: LGBTQ Christian books "Same-Sex Marriage in Renaissance Rome," "Transgender Children of God," "The Prince's Psalm," “Christianity and Controversies Over Homosexuality in Contemporary Africa"

LGBTQ Christian themes in Renaissance Rome, contemporary Africa, and Biblical times are examined in new books this month -- plus a new children's book affirms God's love for transgender people.

The books are "Same-Sex Marriage in Renaissance Rome" by Gary Ferguson, "Transgender Children of God" by Megan Rohrer, the scholarly collection “Christianity and Controversies Over Homosexuality in Contemporary Africa" and "The Prince's Psalm," a novel about the love between Jonathan and David by Eric Shaw Quinn.


“Same-Sex Marriage in Renaissance Rome: Sexuality, Identity, and Community in Early Modern Europe” by Gary Ferguson.

Same-sex weddings were performed in the 1500s at one of Rome’s major churches -- and surprisingly detailed historical records remain. This new book exposes the history, using original sources such as the trial transcript of a group of men executed in Rome in 1578 for conducting the same-sex weddings, their wills, and the travel journal of the French essayist Michel de Montaigne. The author reveals not only the men’s names, but also their jobs, friends and even details about their sex lives. He goes on to argue that same-sex unions are part of the complex history of marriage. The author is professor of French at the University of Virginia. Published by Cornell University Press.





“The Prince's Psalm” by Eric Shaw Quinn.

Epic same-sex love between Biblical figures David and Jonathan is fleshed out in a historical novel by a New York Times-bestselling author. Beginning with young David slaying Goliath, the book shows how he won the heart of Prince Jonathan, heir to the throne of Israel. The star-crossed warrior-lovers face conflicts with King Saul and others as the Biblical story unfolds and David grows to become a king himself. The author uses artistry and restraint to present sex scenes between David and Jonathan (and each man with his own wife). With meticulous research and dynamic storytelling skills, he brings alive the dramatic same-sex love story at the core of religious tradition. The author is a celebrity ghostwriter who wrote novelizations of the TV series “Queer as Folk.” Published by DSP Publications.





“Christianity and Controversies Over Homosexuality in Contemporary Africa” by Adriaan Van Klinken and Ezra Chitando (editors).

This scholarly collection investigates the complex role of Christianity in political debate about homosexuality in Africa. Contributors present case studies from countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Cameroon and Zambia, focusing on Pentecostal, Catholic and mainline Protestant churches. They examine theologies that perpetuate homophobia and discrimination, but they also discuss emerging alternative Christian theologies that embrace sexual diversity, social justice and human rights. This is the most expensive book that I’ve ever promoted ($120 on Kindle), but it's an important topic and you can get a lot out of using the free "Look Inside" feature to read the table of contents. The editors are professors of religion at the University of Zimbabwe (Chitando) and the University of Leeds (van Kinken). Published by Routledge.




“Transgender Children of God” by Megan Rohrer.

Transgender identity becomes so simple that even a child can understand in this heartwarming book aimed at kids ages 2 to 8. “Transgender children of God play with both dolls and trucks. No matter what you play with, God will love you,” it begins. The books goes on to proclaim God’s love regardless of what you wear, how you look or how you mix male and female. It also affirms transgender parents, although it can be read by any progressive family of faith. The author is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco and the first openly transgender pastor ordained in the Lutheran Church. Published by Wilgefortis/Lulu Press. Available in both paperback and e-book versions. For more info, see First-ever LGBT religious children's books published.

Sample page from “Transgender Children of God”

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Related links:

New in July 2016: LGBTQ Christian books “Transgender, Intersex and Biblical Interpretation,” “Religious Freedom and Gay Rights,” “Holy Women Icons” and “Is It a Boy, a Girl, or Both?”

New in June 2016: LGBTQ Christian books "This is My Body," "Queer Virtue," "Mr. Grumpy Christian," Uganda's bishop Senyonjo, Mother Juana de la Cruz

New in May 2016: LGBTQ Christian books "Stand By Me," "Speak Its Name" and "Joan of Arc"

New in April 2016: LGBTQ Christian books "Justice Calls" and "Signs and Wonders"

New in March 2016: LGBTQ Christian books "The Firebrand and the First Lady" and "Space at the Table"

New in Feb 2016: LGBTQ Christian books “Brother-Making in Late Antiquity" and “Two Pews from Crazy”

Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2015 named (Jesus in Love)

Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2014 named (Jesus in Love)

Top 20 Gay Jesus books (from Jesus in Love)

Queer Theology book list (from Patrick Cheng)

Jesus in Love Bookstore (includes LGBT Christian classics)

15 LGBTQ Christian Valentine’s Day books, movies and gifts (Jesus in Love)